Gifts of the Spirit: Suffering and Persecution

Sunday February 5, 2017

Sermon: Are we willing to step out in the gifts of the Spirit? What accompanies the gifts? Obedience, love, power, anointing, peace, selflessness, results, willingness, grace, exhortation, submission, and suffering and persecution. We can overcome or avoid anything that is common with the world’s suffering, such as sickness and accidents, but we are promised two types of suffering: 1) suffering from persecution, and 2) suffering from God’s disposition. We read Hebrews 12:3-9. What is the chastisement of God? Sons of God are disciplined. It should not be what the world is suffering. The discipline of God carries a choice, and that is when we suffer. For example, Jesus had a choice to make in the Garden of Gethsemane. He chose to submit to God’s will. He suffered. Years ago the Lord told Pastor Syd to lay down his dirt bike for six months, because it had become an idol. He had to make a choice. The choice is when we “suffer.” The gifts of the Spirit were in operation in Acts 9:1-20, and what came with them? Persecution came. We are told to expect suffering and persecution: Acts 14:22; Philippians 1:2-9; 2 Timothy 3:11, 12; Romans 8:16-18; 1 Peter 4:12-16. We must believe that there is rescue from persecution: Acts 5; Acts 6:8; Acts 10; Acts 14; Acts 16. We need the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:1-5), and the confirmation of the Word. The more the gifts are on display, the more you will have persecution and opposition. The Lord will deliver you from them all.

There were 13 testimonies of God’s goodness. God is a respector of faith. Jesus is the Finisher. He is our Source. Austin and Cathy Ginder shared the Lord’s vision for them as foster and natural parents. There was prayer for couples soon to be giving birth.